Stagecraft

Course Description And Outline:

This class will examine musical theater at its fullest. Starting with a basic history of musical theater to some of the most popular shows throughout modern history. Students will explore and learn the many aspects of producing theater including contracts, lighting, sound, costumes and set design. This class will assist the HS drama program with their productions throughout the year by researching, creating, and constructing production sets. Students will also have the skills to work for outside groups when the rent the auditorium.

Unit 1: Stage Introduction

Unit 2: Sets

Unit 3: Budgets and Contracts

Unit 4: Lighting

Unit 5: Costumes

Unit 6: Promotional Materials

Unit 7: Props

Unit 8: Makeup

Unit 9: Sound

Unit 10: Capstone Project

Extra Help:

Mornings: Prior to 7:25 by appointment.

CDS on Gold Days in C115, 7:40-8:15

Afternoons: Most days until at least 3pm, (check in C115 or the auditorium)

Please consider scheduling this help - I often have rehearsal for the drama club.

Evenings: Email works best, but I cannot guarantee a response the same day. Especially after 8PM,

please do not expect a response until morning.

Assignments:

In the first weeks, students will choose a show to work with for their capstone project. Each unit of the course will then involve a component of work toward this capstone project. These assignments will be given graded at the time of their submission and will affect the grade for that term. They will also be given feedback and the opportunity for revision before the capstone is due. The capstone will take the place of the final exam, and will involve all of these components, thereby showing a fully designed production plan for the show they have chosen.

Grading:

Each quarter grade is determined by a “total point system”, in which the points earned divided by the points possible determines your grade.

Earned x 100 = Your Grade

Possible

All grades will fall into one of the following categories. Each marking period will cover different material and a different number of assignments, and so each category will be worth a slightly different percentage of the overall grade from term to term.

Category Point Value Estimated Frequency

Daily Participation 2 4 Times per Rotation

Long Block Participation 5 Once per Rotation

Production Materials 25 Once per Unit

Daily Participation: At the end of each day a grade will be entered in X2 based on participation in the day’s learning, as judged by the teacher (and if applicable, a classroom aid). This will be a simple grade of none, partial, or full credit. In the event that you wish to appeal a particular day’s participation grade, please do so within a week so that memories are fresh and a frank and fair discussion can take place.

Long Block Participation: This course will assist in the mainstage production generated by the drama club at the high school. The most prominent way this will happen will be during the long block in the schedule rotation. On these days, time will be spent directly working on the production needs of an actual show.

Classroom Expectations:

• Arrive to class on time. This means before the bell rings. Students who arrive after the bell and without a valid pass will be marked as tardy to class in X2. Arriving late repeatedly will result in disciplinary actions. Students missing more than 10 minutes of class will be referred to the main office.
• Arrive to class prepared. With any materials you need and ready to work.
• Show respect for yourself, others, and everyone’s ideas.
• Do not bring any food, or any drink other than water to class. Water bottles must be clear plastic and have a cap.
• Follow directions. While this is important for any time spent with any class, it is especially important here, as the course will involve frequent hands on activities and the use of various tools. All students and their parents will be expected to sign a safety contract.
• Do not plagiarize. Students are expected to submit their own, individual work for a grade. While projects will often be group based and group graded, students are not permitted to complete assignments such as homework and quizzes as part of a group unless specifically directed by the teacher.
• Computers are a resource and a privilege. Their use is subject to the guidelines in the handbooks, and they are very heavily used in this course. Losing computer privileges for even a short time will have a very substantial impact on your grade.
• Ask Questions & Make Mistakes!!!!